Posted on 03/06/2013 8:25:39 AM PST by BenLurkin
SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) Volvo has unveiled a new cutting-edge device that automatically slams the brakes of a car when it spots and identifies pedestrians and cyclists in its pathway.
The high-definition cameras, which are located in the rear-view mirror and the cars radar, first sends the driver warning lights and sounds when a person or bicyclist comes too close to the vehicle.
If the driver fails to react, thats when the car will then come to a stop.
Volvo has always been the leader in safety. They invented the three-point safety belt back in the 1950s. Take that forward thinking and thats where we are today, said Will Saunders of Volvo of Santa Monica.
Drivers believe the new technology could make a difference in peoples lives in todays world of distracted motorists.
If you could have that one extra signal or device that would maybe put the brakes on a little earlier, that would be great, said driver Neal Davis.
According to Volvo, the radar device will be available in May and become standard in all of its 2014 models.
If it’s only for the rearview mirrors it shouldn’t cause issues. It’s a parking lot driveway thing.
On the bright, it does not protect liberal zombie voters...
The only accident I have had in my life was caused by automatic, accident prevention brakes. I was driving in Boston on a snowy/icey street and suddenly a guy turned in front of the van I was driving. I had plenty of time and traction to stop the car to avoid impact, but the automatic brakes took over and started pumping inappropriately.
I know snow and icey streets and I could not stop my own van because of the “safety” braking system. Fortunately, I managed to slow the van down and steer away enough to just barely tap the car that turned in front of me. It caused no damage. Had I had control of my own vehicle that would not have happened.
It gives me the creeps to know my cars are overriding people’s driving. Another emergency like that has not occured, thank God. One size fits all solutions, does not fit in any way, ever.
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